The rouble has finally dropped for the Russians. After years neglecting the nation’s fastest growing car sector Lada has plans to gatecrash the party.
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With 20% of annual sales in its homeland directed towards sports utility vehicles, it is poised to enter the arena.
Lada showcased for the first time on home soil its dramatic new C-Cross. Its name may sound like a certain Citroen, and visually they are of the same ilk, however the newcomer is a vast improvement to the Russian motoring marque’s current product portfolio of aged saloons and hatchbacks.
As well as looking the part, the C-Cross promises plenty of power. The Euro-like SUV will nudge 120mph (200km/h) and promises 0-62mph (100km/h) in just eight seconds from its two-litre petrol engine.
While it rightly took centre stage, home fans were left unimpressed by existing models that are rapidly losing ground to other European manufacturers. As more affluent and younger car buyers emerge throughout Russia there’s a definite switch towards leading ‘premium’ brands like Mazda, Nissan and Mitsubishi.
Unless there is a drastic change of heart by the legendary Lada brand it will continue to struggle for market share and may well find that the credible C-Cross is too little, too late.
Although a UK comeback has been mooted, a company spokesman said: “I can confirm we have no current plans to re-enter the UK market.”
Meanwhile Volga, once perceived as the ultimate in Soviet supremacy, hopes to hit back with the Siber – a Mondeo-sized saloon derived from the previous-generation Chrysler Stratus with a choice of two-litre 16-valve or 2.4-litre V6 power. It’s no match for the aspirational Mazda 6 but budget pricing may just be enough for success in the domestic market.
